Two national organizations whose missions involve support for Israel are meeting in Philadelphia this month.

New Israel Fund, will host NIForum 2007, a provocative roundtable discussion at 7:30 p.m. October 17 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Titled "Towards a Progressive Vision for Israel," the roundtable is one of a series of national events intended to explore the issues that will effect Israel's future.

Speakers include Hebrew University Professor Naomi Chazan, an progressive leader and former Knesset member; Yuval Yavneh, a writer, musician and activist on behalf of Jewish pluralism; and Yarona Ben Shalom-Richardson, co-director of SHATIL, NIF's empowerment and training center of Beersheva.

NIForum is sponsored by the NIF Philadelphia Regional Council.

New Israel Fund challenges Israelis and Diaspora Jews to imagine a more just, equitable and pluralistic state. For 28 years, NIF has fought for social justice and equality, and offers Diaspora Jews a way to connect with Israel in a way that reflects progressive values.

Philadelphia, known as America's cradle of liberty, also will host American Israel Public Affairs Committee's National Summit October 28-29.

Pro-Israel leaders from all over the nation will gather for the annual AIPAC Summit as Israel continues to face some of the most daunting challenges of her nearly-60 years. Summit attendees will listen to senior congressional, administration and Israeli officials and have an opportunity to participate in engaging roundtable discussions featuring top newsmakers and opinion leaders, who will take delegates to the front line of today's most pressing issues.

The National Summit is reserved exclusively for members of AIPAC’s Capitol Club or above.

The National Summit’s opening session features inspirational addresses from Elie Wiesel and Natan Sharansky, who overcame unthinkable adversity to become symbols of indomitable Jewish spirit and statesmanship.

At its Gala Banquet celebrating the U.S.-Israel relationship, Pennsylvania Senators Arlen Specter and
Robert P. Casey, Jr., along with leading Members of Congress from the Philadelphia area, come together to pay tribute to the ties between the United States and Israel.

At the Monday morning breakfast plenary session on politics and foreign policy, four of America's top pundits --- Paul Begala of CNN, William Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard, Donna Brazile, chair of the Voting Rights Institute, and Ken Mehlman, former chairman of the Republican National Committee --- explore the crossroads of party politics, foreign policy and the race for the White House.

Break-out sessions throughout the Summit include topics such as Who's the Boss: Inside the Palestinian Authority, Terror TV: Is the Arab World’s Media Facilitating Terrorism, and Friends of Faith: An Examination of Christian Support for the Pro-Israel Movement.